- ---
Figure 1. AGRRA survey sites in Maria la Gorda, Cuba. See Table 1 for site codes.
EWT OF CORA
SOUTHEAST ENSENADA DE CORRIENTES, CUBA (PART 1: STONY CORALS AND ALGAE)
PEDRO M. ALCOLADO,' BEATRIZ MARTINEZ-DARANAS, GRISEL MENENDEZ-MACIA,
'
ROSA DEL VALIX,'
MIGUEL HERNANDEZ,' and TAMARA G A R C ~ A '
The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment benthos protocols mere utilized in four reefs off Maria la Gorda. western Cuba. in July 1999. Live stony coral cover ranged from 15.5-23.5%. Moritustraca uririzalaris,
M
fiankri, Sidemstreu sidereu and 114fuveolatu were the dominant species of stony corals. Large (225 cIn diameter) stony corals were fairly abundant (7.5-10.5110 in), but in two reefs had incurred moderately high values of recent partial-colony mortality (-10%). The major stressors on these stony corals were damselfish bites, damselfish algal gardens, diseases, and a relatively high abundance of fleshy macroalgae. Damselfish densities were probably elevated because their predators have been overharvested. Enforcement of existing fishing regulations and other management actions are necessaiy to preserve the ecological and touristic value of this reef system.
The Maria la Gorda coral reef, considered one of the most beautiful, diverse and well-preserved of Cuban reefs, is located in a 1,2 16 km%iospliere Reserve near the southeastern tip of Bahia (Ensenada) de Corrientes in the Peninsula de Guanahacabibes (Fig. 1). The adjoining land is a karst plain covered by a naturally semideciduous, mesophytic forest that has been little disturbed although it is subjected to a restricted forestry. Annual rainfall averages 100-120 cm and mean air temperatures are 27-28' C in July and 20-22' C in January (IGEO-ICGC-ACC, 1989). Low rocky cliffs with coastal vegetation alternate with small sandy beaches along the coastline. No rivers empty into the bay.
'~nstituto de Oceanologia, Ministerio de Ciancia, Technologia y Medio Ambiente, Ave 1 a No. 1 8406, Reparto Flores, Playa, Ciudad de La Habana, CP 12 100, Cuba.
Email: [email protected] and [email protected]
Tenlent at Maria Ia Gorda iSa si~a11~("2-room) dive resort - - with 50 associated dive sites. La Bajada, a tiny village located about 14 kilometers further
north, has 22 houses, a frontier guard post, the Reserve's Visitors Center, and a meteorological radar station. Its human population totals less than 150 inhabitants.
The Guanahacabibes peninsula protects Maria la Gorda's leeward fringing reefs fioin the prevailing northeastern trade winds and from northerly cold fronts in winter. An irregular series of elongated low-relief (1 -2 m) coral lobes (some forming spurs and grooves), each over -100-200 m in length, about 50-100 m wide and oriented parallel to the shoreline, alternate with tongues of sand at depths of about 5 to 9-1 2 nl on a gently sloping reef terrace. Small patch reefs border the lobes on their shallow and deep
margins. I-lowever, the diving sites preferred by tourists are located in excess of 15 m on the reef slope where the reefs are aesthetically more beautiful, biologically nnorc diverse, and have higher topographic relief.
Benthic reef condition was first assessed at Maria la Gorda within the framework of the General a s s e s s m e ~ f of the ecological sfate of fhe Cuban reefs und imniforing o f the r.egiona1 Cuhun CAKICOMP Station and the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef
Assessment (AGRRA) initiative in July 1999.
ETHODS
The benthic surveys were made by five divers in four reef lobes (one having well- developed spurs and grooves) that were considered representative of the reef terrace habitats in this strategically chosen tourist location. There were two "shallower" reefs in 5-6 m, and two "deeper" reefs that were located in 8 in and in 1 1 m, respectively.
Version 2.2 of the AGRRA benthos protocol (see Appendix One, this voluine) was followed. We measured the sizes of "large" (225 cm diameter) stony corals
(scleractinains and Millepora spp.) to the nearest 10 cm. F'uviu fragzrm and other species that are small as adults were not included in the coui-~ts of coral recruits. Sediment was removed from the algal quadrats before estimating the abundance of crustose coralline algae. Practice and consistency training occurred in reefs near Havana before the surveys were initiated. Our guide for coral identifications in the field was Humann (1993).
RESULTS
Stony Corals
Total live stony coral cover was somewhat higher in the two shallower reefs (20.5%, 23.5%) than in the two deeper reefs (15.5%. 17%), as was the density of large (225 cm diameter) corals (8.5 and 10.5110 m versus 7.5110 m ,respectively; Table I). In all four reefs, the large stony corals were dominated by Montastraea annularis,
M.
franksi, Siderastrea siderea and M. faveolata (Fig. 2A, B). The mean diameter of the large corals was about 50% greater in the two more southerly reefs (one each being shallower and deeper) than in the two more northerly reefs (60.5 and 63.5 cm versus 44
B labyrinlhijortnrs cetvrcor.nrs Diplorla
11=2 12 slrl eosa 3 % 2% Sideraslraea
Motrrasrraea
25% cavernosa
6%
Figure 2. Species composition and mean relative abundance of the most abundant stony corals (225 cm diameter) at (A) 5-8 m, (B) 9-1 3 m in Maria la Gorda, Cuba.
and 46.5 cm, respectively). Overall, M, faveolata formed the largest colonies (to >300 cm in diameter) with no size class predominating, whereas most colonies of M. franksi and M. annularis were <70 cm in diameter, while few S. siderea exceeded 50 cm in diameter (Fig. 3).
Large stony corals in the two southerly reefs also had somewhat higher
percentages of each of the following relative to the northerly reefs: recent partial-colony mortality (9 and 10.5% versus 3 and 5%); old partial-colony mortality (28.5 and 34.5%
versus 24.5 and 27%); "standing dead" corals having 100% mortality on their upper
Montastraea annularis n= 109 Montastraeaj?anksi n=90
a
Montastraea faveolata n=60 Sideras~raea siderea n= 109% S $ $ - S $ - < $ & G "f Pv Pv Pv G-2 h r
Figure 3. Size-frequency distribution in cm of colonies (225 cm diameter) of Montastraea annularis, M, franksi, M. faveolafa and Siderastrea siderea at 5- 13 m in Maria la Gorda, Cuba.
V1 300
'g
250-
Recent mortalit8 200
+?
8
$ 150 s
E 100
z
50n
Percent mortality
Figure 4. Number of colonies with old partial colony mortality and recent partial colony mortality for all stony corals 125 cm diameter at 5-13 m, in Maria la Gorda, Cuba.
colony surfaces and still in growth position (2 and 4.5% versus 1 and 1 S%); The percentage of stony corals that were bleached was also higher in the two southerly reefs (3.5 and 5.5% versus 1 and 2%, respectively; Table 2). Nevertheless, the majority of these colonies had no recently dead tissues (Fig. 4).
273 a@ of 3-6.94 of the large stony corals ineach-reefshow-ed
disease. Most commonly noted were white-plague disease in
M.
annularis,M.
faveolata and M jranksi, black-band disease in Diploriu strigosa, white-band disease in Acropora celvicol-nis, and dark spots disease in S sidereu. In addition, some unusually darkly pigmented tissues were seen in Agal-icirr ugrrricites (two colonies) and Colpophyllia nutuns (one colony). The species that were either pale or partially bleached were S.srdel-ea, M annularis, M. frunksi, M faveoluta and P. astreoides. Colonies of S. siderea, M. fuveolata, M. ,franksi and M annularis were found with deep parrotfish bites, while damselfish and their algal gardens were particularly common in D. strigosa and D.
lubyr~nthijormis
The density of stony coral recruits varied from 0.1 -0.210625m"~able 3) which is quivalent to 1.6-3.2 /mZ S i d e l - ~ ~ s f x a si~lereu, Porites porites and P. astreoides
dominated this assemblage (Fig. 5 ) .
Figure 5. Species composition and mean relative abundance of all stony coral recruits (52 cm diameter) at 5-1 3 m, in Maria la Gorda, Cuba.
Algae and Diadema antillarum
In terms of relative abundance, macroalgae were the predominant algal functional group (46-60%) in all four reefs, with crustose coralline algae being the least abundant (1 3- 18%; Table 3). Macroalgae were dominated by Dictyota divaricata, Lobophora variegata and Sargassum hystrix whereas green calcareous algae were scarce. Mean macroalgal heights were 2-2.5 cm, and macroalgal indices (relative abundance macroalgae x mean macroalgal height) ranged from 97 to 150. Densities of Diadema antillarum varied from zero to 4.311 00 m2 (Table 3).
Maria La Gorda is the first Cuban coral reef to have been assessed by the AGRRA protocols. The prevalence of the 121ontu.s/rcrec annzrl~tris species complex in all four reefs is an indication that this reef is generally in good condition. The relatively limited
abundance of the sediment-tolerant Sider.us/reu sidereu (Fig. 2 ) is suggestive that
sedimentation is a less scvere stress than in many other Cuban reefs e.g., at Archipelagos Sabana-Camagucy. Cayo Ilicgo Perez. Cayo Cantiles and Cayo Juan Garcia (Alcolado in prcp.), C ' q o Largo (Alcolado et ai., 2001), and Ciudad IIabaila (I Icrrera-Morena and Alcolado, 1983: Alcolado and Herma-Moleno. 1987). Sitiijrmtrw \idorc~! Mas.
howewr. inore common in the dceper reefs whcre scdiment deposition ratcs ma> be someuhat higher due to reduccd u a v c e n c r g ~ .
Although relativel) fen s t o q corals were still affected at the timi: of' our survey in July 1099. the populations at Maria la Gorda had undergone severe bleaching during the 1997-98 El Nifio G. arming event (C. Carrodeguas and
N.
Capetillo. pelsonalcommunication). The relati\cly high estimates of recent partial-colony mortality found in the two more southerly reefs (Table 2) may. in part, represent post bleaching-related mortality and, in part, the effects of diseases that were on-going in sunliner 1999. Overall estimates of recent partial-colony mortality (3-10.5%) at Maria la Gorda varied froin low to moderately high by comparison with results obtained in earlier AGRRA surveys (Kramer and Kramer. 1999; Lang, 1999: LeBo et al., 1999; Steneck and Lang, 1999).
Similarly, the mean percentages of old mortality ( 4 5 % ) can be considered moderate.
Damselfish bites (prin~arily due to SreguLs/etsplcmiJi.ons) and their algal gardcns. a suite of coral diseases. and fleshy macroalgae were the most common stressors of the large stony corals at Maria La Gorda. Injuries inflicted by the damselfish could also have facilitated the spread of coral diseases. The positive relationship between colony diameter and impacts (partial-colony mortality, percent of stony corals with disease and damselfish algal gardens) at the two southerly reefs suggests a gradual process of accumulation of partial-colony death as size (and, to some extent, age) increases.
The somewhat elevated densities of S. plunifrons presumably resulted from a local deficit of carnivorous fishes (Claro and Cantelar Ramos, this volume). The high relative abundance of fleshy macroalgae (and perhaps the scarcity of calcareous macroalgae, Hay, 1997) is probably a response to the continued scarcity of the key herbivore, Diudemu untillarum (Table 3), and to low herbivory by fishes (Claro and Cantelar Ramos, this volume). Hence, to sustain the Maria la Gorda coral reefs, the following management actions will be necessary:
Avoid the construction of hotels and other major tourism infrastructure within the coastal zone of the reserve.
* Strictly prohibit all illegal fishing in the Peninsula de Guanahacabibes Biosphere Reserve, allowing stocks of reef fishes to recover. (Partial enforcement of fishery regulations is ineffective, Watson et al., 1997.)
Avoid tmutrilication (Alcolado ct al., lnstituto de Oceanotogla unpublished report) of the coastal waters. Currently the resort's wastewaters are poured
into excavations in the karst and probably leak into the sea via groundwater Thus, an alternate disposal system will be required.
Deploy permanent morring bouys at all dive sites.
Ensurc. the resort divers are educated in safe reef'-diving etiquette, and that the carrying capacity of thc reefs (Hawkins and Roberts, 1997) is not exceeded.
ACKNO
I'hc AGKKX oi-ganir~ng Committee. which facilitated financial support as described in the Forward to this volume, is also rl~anked for the invitation to collaborate in this regional in!tiaiivc. Vl'e ackrmmledge ihe invaluable collaboration with, and support from, Iieci' Relief
Alcolado, P M., and A. Herrera-Moreno
1987. Efecros de la contamination sobre las coinunidades de esponjas en el Litoral de La FIabana, Cuba. Reporte de In~~esigaciones del lnstituto de
Cceunologia, Accidewia de Cicncias d~ C L ~ ~ N , 68: 1 - 17.
Alcolado, P. M., I t . Claro-Madr~~ga, B. Martine2-Daranas,, 6. Menendez-Macia, P.
Garcia-Parrado, K. Cantelar, M. Heri~Bndez, and R. del Valle
2001. F,valu/acion ecol6gica de 10s a-recifcs coralinos del oestc de Cayo Largo del Sur, Cuba: 1998- 1999. Bolefin a'e Investigcrciones Mminas y Costeras 30:
109-132.
Hawkins, J.P., and C. Roberts 1997.
Hay, M.E 1 997.
Estimating the carrying capacity of coral reefs for SCUBA diving.
Proceedirzgs o f t h e Eighth Internationnl Coral Reef Symposium, Panama 11: 1923- 1996.
Calcified seaweeds on coral reefs: complex defenses, trophic relationships, and value as habitat. Proceedings of the Eighth International Coral Reef Symposizlnz, Panama - - I:7 13-7 1 8.
Herrera-Moreno, A., and P.M. Alcolado
1983. Efecto de la contarninaci6n sobre las comunidades de gorgonaceos a1 Oeste de la Bahia de la Habana. Ciencias Bioldgicas 10:69-86.
Humann, P.
1993. ReefCora1 IdentiJication. New World Publications, Inc., Jacksonville, FL, 252 pp.
276 IGEO-I
1989. Nuevo Atlas Nacional de Cuba. Instituto de Geografia, Instituto Cubano de Geodesia y Cartografia y Academia de Ciencias de Cuba. Ciudad de La Habana. 226 unnumbered pages.
Kramer, P.A., and P.L. Kramer
1999. Determining spatial pattern in reef condition: Application of AGRRA-RAP to the Andros Island reef system, Bahamas. International Conference on
Scientzfic Aspects of Coral Reef Assessment, Monitoring and Restoration:
121 (Abstract).
Lang, J.C.
1999. Rapid assessment at t Flower Gardens: remarkable reefs flourishing in the northwestern Gulf of exico. International Conference on Scientific Aspects of Coral Reef Assess t, Monitoring and Restoration: 122 (Abstract).
Leiio, Z., R. Kikuchi, 'v'. Testa, M. Telles, J. Pereira, L. Dutra, and C. Sainpaio
1999. First coral reef assessment in the southern hemisphere applying the AGRRA Rapid Protocol (Caramuanas reef, Bahia, Brazil). International Conference on Scientific Aspects of Coral Reef Assessrnent Monito~ing and Restoration:
122- 123 (Abstract).
Steneck, R.S., and J.C. Lang
1999. Application of the Atlantic and Gulf Reef Assessment Protocols along Mexico's Caribbean Coast 1997- 1999: Pre and post bleaching impacts.
International Conference on Scient~fic Aspects of Coral Reef Assessment, Monitoring and Restoration: 184 (Abstract).
.,
R.F.G. Ormond, and L. Holiday1997. The role of Kenya's marine protected areas in artisanal fisheries management.
Proceedings of the Eighth International Cora/ Reef Symposium Panama 2: 1950- 1950.
Table 1. Site information for AGRRA stony coral and algae surveys in Maria la Gorda, Cuba.
Site name
La Cadena Misteriosa
I
MG-D-2 Fringing spur 21 47.270 84 3 1.094 July 6-8 1999 1 1 15 7. 5 15.5+
3.0* MG = Maria la Gorda; Sh = shallower; D = deeper
Site code* Reef type Lat.itude Longitude Survey dates Depth Benthic 225 crn stony % live stony
( O '1 '1 (m) transects corals (#/I 0 coral cover
Yemaya Acuario
Jardin de las Gorgonias
Table 2. Size and condition (mean _+ standard deviation) of all stony corals (>25 cm diameter), by site in Maria la Gorda, Cuba.
(#) m) (mean k sd)
MG-Sh-I Fringing lobe 21 50.059 84 29.390 July 8-9 1999 5-6 12 10.5 23. 5 + 4 . 5 MG-Sh-2 Fringing lobe 2 1 47.644 84 30.733 July 6-7 1999 5-6 13 8. 5 20. 5 f 5.5
MG-D-1 Fringing spur 2 1 48.566 84 30.823 July 8- 10 1999 8 14 7. 5 17.0 f 4.0
Table 3. Algal charactertistics (mean
+
standard deviation), abundance of stony coral recruits and Diadema antillarum, by site Maria la Gorda, Cuba.Site name Yemayi Acuario
Jardin de las Gorgonias La Cadena Misteriosa
Site name
Stony corals Partial-colony mortality (%) Stony corals (%)
(# ) Diameter (cm) Recent Old Total stand in,^ dead Bleached Diseased
128 46.5
+
23.5 3 k 9 24.5 f 27 27.5 k 27.5 1.5 1 3108 60.5 f 46 9 ? 18 28.5
+
28.5 37.5 f 29.5 2 5. 5 6.5106 44 f 19 5 + 1 2 27 f 28 33.5 f 27.4 1 2 4
1 10 63.5 +_ 37 10.5
+
19 34.5 f 32 4 5 . 0 f 31.1 4. 5 3 . 5 4.5Yemayi Acuario
Jardin de las Gorgonias La Misteriosa
*Macroalgal index = re12
Quadrats Relative abundance (%) Macroalgal Recruits Diadema
(#) Macroalgae Turf algae Crustose coralline Height (cm) Index* (#/.0625m2) (#/I 00 m2) algae
60 46 f 20 37
+
20 1 6 + 12 2.1 _+ 0.8 9 7 0.12 060 55
+
20 32 f 21 1 3 f 11 1.0 k 0.8 110 0.10 0.860 60 f 18 2 5 + 15 1 5 + 1 1 2.5
+
1.0 150 0.20 4.350 47 f 24 35
+
22 18 k 17 2.4 k 3.4 113 0.16 2!e macroalgal abundance x macroalgal height
